Short answer: genuine hand-inlaid mother-of-pearl furniture in the UAE costs roughly AED 500–1,000 for small boxes, AED 700–5,200 for mirrors, AED 2,500 for a side table, AED 4,700 for a pair of chairs, AED 5,300–14,000 for a room divider, AED 13,000–18,400 for a majlis coffee table and AED 7,500–46,000 for dining tables and sets. The price depends mostly on how many pieces of shell are set by hand.
Price table (ZW prices, October 2026)
| Piece | Price range (AED) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Mosaic and inlaid boxes | 490 – 995 | Larsa, Qantara |
| Backgammon and chess sets | 2,750 – 6,495 | Shinar, Malka |
| Crown and wall mirrors | 695 – 5,195 | Rimmon 950, Arabesque Grand 5,195 |
| Side table | 2,495 | Dimash (792 pieces) |
| Chairs, pair | 4,695 | Qanadil (678 pieces) |
| Room dividers | 5,350 – 13,995 | Zahraqa, Anbar |
| Majlis coffee tables (122 × 122 cm) | 12,995 – 18,395 | Salema |
| Dining tables (160 – 420 cm) | 7,495 – 19,595 | Qanadil |
| Dining sets (6 – 16 guests) | 19,995 – 45,995 | Qanadil set for 16 |
The six things that decide the price
1. Number of hand-set pieces
This is the biggest factor. Every piece of shell is cut, shaped and set by hand. A small mirror may carry 23 pieces; the Qanadil table carries 1,061 pieces at 160 cm and 2,051 at 420 cm; the dining set for 16 carries over 13,000.
2. Solid wood vs MDF
Solid wood is heavier, more stable and lasts for generations, but costs more to carve. Cheap imports often use MDF with a shell-effect sheet on top.
3. Carving depth
Deep relief carving on crowns, legs and panels adds days of work. Compare the carved crown of the Malka mirror with a flat frame.
4. Pattern complexity
Geometric star patterns and Kufic calligraphy need precise cutting; the Salema table with radiant geometric inlay costs more than the plain Kufic version for that reason.
5. Size
Larger surfaces need more shell and more drying time.
6. Ready stock vs custom
Ready stock is priced as listed. Custom sizes and patterns are quoted individually and take 2–4 months.
Why some mother-of-pearl furniture is so cheap
If you see a "mother-of-pearl" coffee table for a few hundred dirhams, it is almost certainly resin, plastic or a shell veneer sheet on MDF. These look good in photos but feel light, repeat the same pattern exactly, and can peel in humidity. Use our real vs fake checklist before buying.
Does mother-of-pearl furniture hold its value?
Well-made pieces are bought to keep and pass down. Antique Damascene inlay is collected and sold at auction, but we would not buy new furniture as an investment: buy it because you love it and will use it.
How to get the best value
- Watch the sale collection for ready stock offers.
- Buy a matching set (for example the Dimash seating corner) rather than separate pieces.
- For 10+ pieces or a whole villa, ask for a project quotation.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a mother-of-pearl dining table in Dubai?
At ZW, the Qanadil table starts at AED 7,495 for 160 cm and reaches AED 19,595 for 420 cm. Full sets with chairs run AED 19,995–45,995.
How much is a mother-of-pearl mirror?
Between AED 695 and AED 5,195 depending on size and carving.
Is delivery included in the price?
Delivery is free within the UAE. GCC and MENA shipping is calculated at checkout.
Can I pay in instalments?
Check the payment options shown at checkout. Bank transfer and cash on delivery (eligible UAE orders) are also available.
